Middlesbrough v MK Dons: Karanka hopes Boro have learned lessons

REMEMBER Bristol City – that is the message issued by head coach Aitor Karanka ahead of today’s game with Karl Robinson’s unfancied MK Dons.

Boro were at the shortest of odds to beat Bristol City on August 22, but the West Country side delivered a real coupon-buster to inflict a first home defeat upon the Teessiders since February – and only their second Riverside reverse in a year.

Next up on home soil are another promoted side in the Exiles and Karanka has delivered a pre-match warning.

He said: “We have to learn from the game against Bristol.

“We’ve got to be careful with this game and we have to play our best style and highest intensity.

“If we think it’s going to be easy, we are making a big mistake.”

Karanka says he has no intention of making any further loan signings during the current window, which runs until the end of November.

The Boro chief has professed to being satisfied with his squad options and believes that having five loan players at his disposal is a more than sufficient number with his bases covered,

Karanka currently has five loan players on Boro’s books, with the quintet being Fernando Amorebieta, Michael Agazzi, Diego Fabbrini, Jack Stephens and Tomas Kalas.

Asked if he intended to bring in further additions, he answered: “No. We have six players for three (attacking midfield) positions and I am really pleased with the squad.

“I have five loans and I don’t think it’s fair to bring another loan and then he doesn’t have chances to play. I don’t think it is fair. If a player comes in on loan, he has to play.”

Karanka has welcomed winger Albert Adomah, who fell out with the Basque last month, back into the fold, although it remains to be seen if he is involved today.